Reciprocating solar engine

ABSTRACT

A reciprocating solar engine includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which the platform is moveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc b) a first solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on one side of the support and a second solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on a second side of the support; c) a connecting tube connecting the first container and the second container; d) a fluid contained within at least one of the first and the second container, the fluid being evaporable from solar heat and condensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof above the platform, having at least one window of which is located above the first container and at least one window of above the second container; f) shuttering devices connected to the roof and movable so that one window is closed while the other is open and vice versa; and, g) shutter device controls functionally connected to the shutter device and the platform such that the shutter device controls activate the shutter devices to a first rest position when the second solar heat-receiving closed container is at its arc base, and to the second rest position when the first solar heat-receiving closed container is at its arc base.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to a reciprocating solar engine that isbased on material transfer back and forth across a fulcrum utilizingsolar energy to cause the material transfer. The present inventionreciprocating solar engine may be used as a driving force for anypurpose, e.g. turning a turbine to generate electricity, operating apump to move liquid such as water, operating reciprocating pistons, orturning a production wheel.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to thepresent invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,854 to Stephen C. Baer describes an apparatus fortracking the sun which reorients itself immediately in the absence ofsunlight. Large and small cannisters are provided at the respective endsof a pivotable frame. When the sun is not normal to the plane containingthe cannister, the near cannister is shaded from direct sunlight and thefar cannister is exposed. A conduit is provided between the cannisters,and a quantity of volatile fluid is located in the cannisters andconduit. The liquid volume of the volatile fluid is greater than that ofthe small cannister plus the conduit, but less than the volume of thelarge cannister. A gas spring fluid is located in the large cannister,which has a vapor pressure sufficient to force the volatile fluid intothe small cannister in the absence of sunlight on the east cannister.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,712 to Stephen C. Baer describes a device forrotating a collector of solar energy in such a way as to keep itconstantly oriented during the day in the best direction forinterception of radiation and for returning it to a position from whichit will begin collecting radiation again in the morning. Whereas apreviously disclosed device for automatic return to morning positionrelies upon changing the rate of heat loss from the surfaces of theinterconnected canisters which power it, the present invention removesthe heat-collecting surfaces whose differential heating by thewest-moving sun controls the tilting of the collector from the canistersthemselves to plates located below and on sides opposite the canistersserved so as to give these surfaces a larger view of the sky and enablethem to find the sun from almost any position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,492 to Gerald J. Tremblay describes a solar fluidheater that has a frame and a solar collector for collecting andconcentrating solar energy movably mounted on the frame. An inclinationadjustment system is attached for rotating the solar collector fordifferent inclinations of the earth relative to the sun, and a solartracking system moves the solar collector in a different direction onthe frame during daylight hours responsive to the flow of liquid from areservoir mounted thereon to track the sun during daylight hours.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,391 to Stephen Baer describes an apparatus forcausing a solar energy collector to constantly follow the sun by usingsolar radiant energy to differentially heat fluid-containing reservoirsto cause differential vaporization and shifting of fluid to rotate theapparatus. Automatic morning orientation is included by providing theeasterly reservoir with a faster rate of cooling than the westerly onethereby causing shift of fluid from westerly to easterly after sunsetresulting in inclination toward the east by sunrise.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,223 to E. Garland Reddell describes a pivotallymounted solar energy collector is maintained oriented towards the sun bycreating a continuing imbalance of the collector about its pivotal axisresulting in pivotal movement of the collector to track the sun. Theimbalance is achieved by regulating the flow of a pumped fluid from acontainer located at one side of the collector to a container located atanother side of the collector. Pump, timing and energizing means areincluded to control the flow rate of the fluid.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,249 to Kenneth P. Glynn describes a motor apparatusdescribed for orientating solar responsive devices. The motor apparatusis solar energy operated and comprises a plurality of containersconnected in closed systems having fluid therein, support means for thecontainers including rotatable parts, and a solar window-containingcomponent which permits solar energy to strike surfaces of thecontainers so as to change the distribution of fluid in the systems tocause the rotatable parts, and thus an attached solar responsive device,to rotate, e.g., in an arc so as to follow the sun.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taughtnor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a reciprocating solar engine, which includes a)a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which theplatform is moveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through apredetermined arc, the predetermined arc having a bottom, the bottombeing the arc base; b) a first solar heat-receiving closed containerlocated on the platform on a first side of the central fulcrum supportand a second solar heat-receiving closed container located on theplatform on a second side of the central fulcrum support and oppositethe first side; c) a connecting tube connected to the first solarheat-receiving closed container and to the second solar heat-receivingclosed container; d) a fluid contained within at least one of the firstsolar heat-receiving closed container and the second solarheat-receiving closed container, the fluid being evaporable from solarheat and condensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof locatedabove the platform, the roof having at least two windows, at least onewindow of which is located above the first solar heat-receiving closedcontainer and at least one window of which is located above the secondsolar heat-receiving closed container; f) shutter means connected to theroof and movably related to the at least two windows and functionallyconnected thereto, the shutter means having a first rest position and asecond rest position, wherein in the first rest position, the at leastone window above the first solar heat-receiving closed container is openand the at least one window above second solar heat-receiving closedcontainer is closed, and wherein in the second rest position, the atleast one window above the first solar heat-receiving closed containeris closed and the at least one window above second solar heat-receivingclosed container is open; and, g) shutter control means functionallyconnected to the shutter means and functionally connected to theplatform such that the shutter control means activates the shutter tothe first rest position when the second solar heat-receiving closedcontainer is at its arc base, and to the second rest position when thefirst solar heat-receiving closed container is at its arc base.

The term “shutter means” should be taken broadly as any device that canopen and close an area to significant sunlight. The term should not belimited literally to shutters, as it is intended to include any devicethat will shutter sunlight In some preferred embodiments of the presentinvention reciprocal solar engine, the shutter means in selected fromthe group consisting of a single sliding door, doors, shutters, screensand shades. Single sets of shutters, screens or shades or a plurality ofthese may be employed. If more than one window closure means, i.e., theshutter means, is utilized, then a critical feature is that they befunctionally connected so that at least part of the time, one is openwhen the other is closed and vice versa, to present alternating sun andshade to the containers.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, instead of aroof with perhaps only supports, there is a housing having side wallsand a roof, the roof being located at least above the platform, the roofhaving at least two windows, at least one window of which is locatedabove the first solar heat-receiving closed container and at least onewindow of which is located above the second solar heat-receiving closedcontainer.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solarengine, the roof is a rectangular shaped roof from a top view. Any othershape could be employed, but for most practical applications, the shapeof an open wall or housing similar to a home, shed, or building may beaesthetically and functionally easier to design and to view. ( One ofthe advantages of the present invention over roof mounted solar panelsor very tall wind turbines, is that they can be placed in a yard orfield or lot and externally appear as a normal structure or brsurrounded by trees or other attractive cover. Unlike wind turbines, theobjectional height and noise issues are eliminated and unlikeroof-mounted solar panels, roof support and appearance issues areeliminated.)

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solarengine, the shutter controls means in selected from the group consistingof motor drive control means, mechanical control means, hydrauliccontrol means and pneumatic control means.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solarengine, the first solar heat-receiving closed container and the secondsolar heat-receiving closed container are at least partially transparentcontainers.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solarengine, the at least partially transparent containers have transparenttops and solar heat-absorbing bottoms.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solarengine, the first solar heat-receiving closed container and the secondsolar heat-receiving closed container are selected from the groupconsisting of glass, metal, plastic, and combinations thereof.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solarengine, the reciprocal solar engine includes a connecting member fortransfer of motive power, connected to at least one of the platform anda container.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solarengine, the connecting member is a shaft connected to the platformproximate its center and on its axis of rotation to function as anarcuate reciprocating drive shaft.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solarengine, the at least two windows contain solar energy concentratingmagnifying lenses.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention and together with the detail description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side cut view of a preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine;

FIGS. 2 through 6 show side cut views of the preferred embodiment of apresent invention reciprocating solar engine shown in FIG. 1, indifferent positions of a reciprocal cycle;

FIG. 7 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine with a roof with open supportsinstead of closed walls;

FIG. 8 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine with a magnifying lens in eachwindow to function as a solar energy concentrator;

FIG. 9 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine with sets of shutters or blinds tofunction as the window shutter means;

FIG. 10 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine with the device as shown in FIG. 1but with a gear driving shaft take-off connected to the reciprocatingplatform at its axis of rotation;

FIG. 11 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine with the device as shown in FIG. 1but with a reciprocating connector rod to the reciprocating platformaway from its axis of rotation;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating various alternatives and optionsfor some preferred embodiments of a present invention reciprocatingsolar engine;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating one use for some preferredembodiments of a present invention reciprocating solar engine; and,

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating another use for some preferredembodiments of a present invention reciprocating solar engine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention reciprocating solar engine is based on materialtransfer back and forth across a fulcrum utilizing solar energy to causethe material transfer. The material transfer occurs when solar energyheats a liquid in a container to cause some vaporization of the liquid,the vaporized liquid (gas) then condenses to liquid in a container onthe opposite side of the fulcrum, and the weight shit causes mass torotate about the fulcrum. The present invention reciprocating solarengine may be used as a driving force for any purpose, e.g. turning aturbine to generate electricity, operating a pump to move liquid such aswater, operating reciprocating pistons, or turning a production wheel.

FIG. 1 is a side cut view of a preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine 1. Solar engine 1 includes a mainhousing 3 with a bottom 7 and side walls such as wall 13. Housing 3 alsohas a roof 5, with a first (left) window 9 and a second (right) window11. The size and position of the windows are considered in conjunctionwith the solar heat-receiving closed containers. There is an elongatedsun blocking shutter means, in this case single door 15. Door 15 is onsliders or tracks (not shown) and has a first rest position where window9 is open and window 11 is closed, and a second rest position wherewindow 9 is closed and window 11 is open. Within housing 3 is a centralfulcrum support 17 and a platform 19 located atop central fulcrumsupport 17 so that platform 19 is rotatable on the central fulcrumsupport 17 about its axis of rotation shown as x in FIG. 1.

Positioned evenly on platform 19 are two solar heat-receiving closedcontainers. To the left of the central fulcrum support 17, on platform19, is solar heat-receiving closed container 21 and to the right of thecentral fulcrum support 17, on platform 19, is solar heat-receivingclosed container 23. There is a connecting means, in this case tube 27,that connects the two solar heat-receiving closed containers. They,along with platform 19, move up and down through a predetermined arc.The predetermined arc is defined by any one or more of a number ofvariables that my be included or are inherent in any given device. Thus,the predetermined arc is limited by the space in the housing 3 or, morespecifically, the roof 5 of the housing 3, the height of the centralfulcrum support 17 and the length of the platform 19. Beyond that,brakes, stops, gears, shutter controls or other features may represent abottom or top of the predetermined arc.

Contained within at least one of the two solar heat-receiving closedcontainers is a fluid that is capable of being at least partiallyvaporized to gas by solar heat and will otherwise rest in equilibrium inthe container(s), possibly with some of the fluid in the gaseous statebefore solar heat is applied. The connecting tube is open from the leftto the right containers and vice versa for transport of the vaporizedfluid from the warmer container (solar heated) to the cooler container,due to gases expanding and rising. Once in the cooler container (solarshaded), the gases will at least partially condense, shifting the fluidand hence the weight of the fluid from the warmer to the coolercontainer. When the shutter means closes a first window and opens asecond window, it shuts off most of the solar heat at the first windowand allows solar heat to enter through the second window.

Referring again more specifically to FIG. 1, window 9 is open and window11 is closed by virtue of the positioning of door 15, as shown in theFigure. Sunlight enters window 9 and not window 11. As sunlight enterswindow 9, it heats up container 21 and fluid 25 a starts to boil overthrough tube 27 to container 23 where it at least partially condenses.Eventually, the weight shift will cause the right side of platform 19 togo down and the left side to go up. This is rotation of the platformabout its axis of rotation x. The process is followed in more detail inFIGS. 2 through 6, where identical elements are identically numbered.

Thus, FIGS. 2 through 6 show side cut views of the preferred embodimentpresent invention reciprocating solar engine 1 shown in FIG. 1, but indifferent positions of a reciprocal cycle. In FIG. 2, sunlight throughwindow 9 continues to evaporate the fluid of container 21 over to thecooler container 23, with the rotation as shown, so that when container21 and container 23 have equal weights of fluid 25 b and 25 c therein,they are approximately in balance. The platform 19 and the containerscontinue to rotate as more liquid is boiled over, and this is shown inFIG. 3, where now there is little fluid 25 d in container 2 land most ofthe liquid has boiled over to container 23 (fluid 25 e), as shown. Theprocess continues until the right side of platform 19 hits shuttercontrol means lever 31. When this occurs, the shutter control means isactivated and door 15 is moved to the right to its second rest positionas shown in FIG. 4. Here the process immediately reverses itself and thesunlight is closed from window 25 and now enters window 11 where itheats up container 23. The fluid 25 g heats and partially boils overthrough tube 27 back into container 21, as condensed fluid 25 f. In FIG.5, the process continues as more solar energy (sunlight) heats container23 and its contents, fluid 25 i, wherein fluids 25 h and 25 i are aboutequal. In FIG. 6, most of the fluid 25 j has boiled over to shuttered(shaded) container 21, with little fluid 25 k remaining in container 23.Next, the excess weight of the left side would cause platform 19 tocontact shutter control means lever 29, which causes door 15 to moveright, opening window 9 and closing window 11 again as in FIG. 1. Thenthis reciprocating process described merely repeats itself. The actualmechanism of the levers 29 and 31 triggering door or shutter meansmovement is not critical to the process, as any know means will work.Such mechanisms include, but as not limited to pulleys, hydraulics,pneumatics, gears, linkages, power driven (motorized) with wires orwireless activation.

The fluids utilized may be any organic or inorganic fluids, includingwater. However, organic fluids, and especially low boiling point fluids,such as low carbon chain organic fluids and low boiling point alcohols,are preferred. Any fluids discussed in the present inventor's issuedU.S. Pat. No. 4,079,249, incorporated herein by reference, may be used,as well as any within the skill of the artisan, such as are used inpublished liquid-based solar tracking devices. U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,249,issued to Kenneth P. Glynn on Mar. 14, 1978 and entitled “Solar EnergyOperated Motor Apparatus” is incorporated herein in its entirety.

The solar heat-receiving closed containers used herein are open to theconnecting means to the opposite containers, but are otherwise closed tothe atmosphere to prevent evaporative losses of the fluids therein. Insome instances, depending upon the volatility of the fluid and theenvironment, it may be useful to provide and expansion chamber for theboiling gases, such as in the connecting tube. However, usually thiswill not be necessary, as actual reciprocating devices were built andfunctioned without the need for gas expansion accommodation. Thecontainers may be made of one or a combination of materials and may betransparent, translucent or opaque. For example, metal containers mayabsorb solar heat well and transfer the heat to the fluids without anytransparency whatsoever. Clear or translucent materials such as plasticsor glass, may alternatively be used and these will allow sunlight todirectly heat the fluids. Mirrors or other reflectors may be used insideor outside the roof or housing to increase the light hitting thecontainers. In some embodiments, transparent or translucent containersmay have black bases to enhance heat absorption. Magnifying glasses maybe strategically positioned to increase the amount of solar heatcontacting the containers.

FIG. 7 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine 100 with a roof 105 with opensupports, such as support posts 103 and 113, instead of closed walls.This enables air to freely flow about the containers. In someenvironments this is preferred to air cool the shaded containers, whilein other environments, such as extreme wind, the closed housing ispreferred to reduce heat losses at the heated container. Yet anotheralternative is a housing with ventilating openings, or vents that can beopened or closed, as needed. In FIG. 7, there is an optional base 107,windows 109 and 111 in roof 105, with a central large window shutteringdoor 115, a central fulcrum support 117 and a platform 119. Platform 119has two opposing solar heat-receiving closed containers 121 and 123,connected by connecting tube 127. As shown, there is significant fluid125 in container 121. There are also two shutter control levers 129 and131. This engine 100 operates the same as the one shown in FIGS. 1through 6 above.

FIG. 8 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine 200 with a magnifying lenses 209and 211 in each of the respective windows of roof 205, to function assolar energy concentrators. Housing 203 has a roof 205, side walls, suchas side wall 213 and a bottom 207. Roof 205 has a central large windowshuttering door 215, that keeps one window open and the other closed andversa. In FIG. 8, present invention reciprocating solar engine 200 alsoincludes optional base 207, a central fulcrum support 217 and a platform219. Platform 219 has two opposing solar heat-receiving closedcontainers 221 and 223, connected by connecting tube 227. As shown,there is significant fluid 225 a in container 223 and a small amount offluid 225 b in container 221. There are also two shutter control levers229 and 231. The lenses will provide more concentrated solar energy, asshown in the Figure, and, in some embodiments, allow for higher boilingpoint fluids in the container than might be uses without theconcentrator lenses. Except for the concentration of solar heat causedby the lenses 209 and 211, to either provide higher temperatures, fasterboiling or both, this engine 200 operates the same as the one shown inFIGS. 1 through 6 above.

FIG. 9 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine 300 with sets of shutters or blinds315 and 335, respectively, for windows 309 and 311 of roof 305, tofunction as the window shutter means. One set is open when the other isclosed and vice versa. They respond to the contact of the reciprocatingplatform 319 to-shutter control means levers 329 and 331 via wires andresponsive electric drive motors M₁ and M₂. (The details of motor drivenblinds or shutters are not shown, as such are commercially available andwell known, although not in the context of the present inventionreciprocating solar engine windows. However, the same motors and drives,linkages and gears used in conventional motor driven blinds could beused here) in place of the motorized operation, the blinds could beoperated by hydraulic connections, pneumatic connections, mechanicallinkages, pulleys, pulleys and weights, counterweights, gears or anycombination thereof, or any other drive means to cause responsivemovement to the actuation of one lever 329 or the other lever 331. InFIG. 9, present invention reciprocating solar engine 300 includeshousing 303, with roof 305 side walls such as side wall 313, andoptional bottom 307, a central fulcrum support 317 and a platform 319.Platform 319 has two opposing solar heat-receiving closed containers 321and 323, connected by connecting tube 327. As shown, there issignificant fluid 225 b in container 323 and a small amount of fluid 225a in container 321. There are also two shutter control levers 229 and231. Except for the different choice of shutter means and shutter meanscontrols, this engine 300 operates the same as the one shown in FIGS. 1through 6 above.

FIG. 10 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine 400 with the device as shown inFIG. 1 but with a gear driving shaft take-off connected to thereciprocating platform 419 at its axis of rotation. . Housing 411 has aroof 401, side walls, such as side wall 413, and a bottom 409. Roof 401has windows 403 and 405, and a central large window shuttering door 215,that keeps one window open and the other closed and versa. In FIG. 10,present invention reciprocating solar engine 400 also includes a centralfulcrum support 417 and a platform 419. Platform 419 has two opposingsolar heat-receiving closed containers 421 and 423, connected byconnecting tube 427. As shown, there is significant fluid in container421 and a small amount of fluid in container 423. There are also twoshutter control levers 429 and 431. This present invention engine 400operates the same as the one shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 above. As theplatform moves through its reciprocal motion as described in conjunctionwith FIGS. 1 through 6 above, main gear 445 rotates back and forth. Whenplatform 419 is moving down on its right as shown by the arrow undercontainer 423, main gear 445 rotates clockwise and it rotates gear 447counterclockwise. Gear 447 has a take off drive to any desiredoperation, such as an electric generator. Gear 447 is a slip gear thatwill engage its takes off when gear 447 is moving counterclockwise andnot when rotating clockwise, In essence, it only runs the generator inone direction (counterclockwise take off). Gear 449 works in theopposite fashion. When platform 419 is moving down on its left side,main gear 445 rotates counterclockwise and it rotates gear 449clockwise. Gear 449 has a connecting gear 451 that rotatescounterclockwise and is likewise connected to a take off drive to anydesired operation, such as an electric generator. Gear 449 is a slipgear that will engage its connecting gear 451 when gear 449 is movingclockwise and not when rotating counterclockwise. In essence, it onlyruns the generator in one direction (counterclockwise take off from gear451). Thus, in this embodiment, whether platform 419 is seesawingclockwise or counterclockwise, the generator will be driven and alwaysin the same direction. Alternatively, a generator can be driven directlyfrom the platform central axis of rotation and have a pole reversingmechanism so that no slip gear or other arrangement is necessary.

FIG. 11 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a presentinvention reciprocating solar engine with the device 500. It is the samedevice shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 above as shown in FIG. 1, but with areciprocating connector rod 35 connected to and moving with thereciprocating platform at a location away from its axis of rotation.Identical elements to the aforesaid Figures are identically numberedhere and need not be repeated. There is an arcuate cut out 37 in thewall or walls of housing 3 so as to allow for connection to anyreciprocating drive mechanism for any purpose. Thus, it can externallybe used for compression, such as with a piston, or to drive a back andforth work function (such as some well pumps) or to be converted tocircular motion (such as on steam locomotion train drives), as an enduser may desire.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating various alternatives and optionsfor some preferred embodiments of a present invention reciprocatingsolar engine 600. Block 601 shows some preferred choices for containersin terms of light passage-transparent, opaque, translucent andcombinations thereof. The fluids are described in more details above,but are both organics and inorganics, including water. Block 603 merelycalls out the platform and fulcrum support. Any rotating mechanism maybe used to rotatably nest or connect the platform to the fulcrumsupport, including hinges, axles, arcuated cradle and rod, shaft andreceiver, and ball bearings and rod(s). Block 605 has both the roofshutter means and the some related controls listed.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating one use for some preferredembodiments of a present invention reciprocating solar engine 611 it isused to turn an electricity generator 613 that sends direct current toinverter/controls 615. This produces alternating current that may be fedback to an electricity grid for credits or may be used directly for ACneeds, or both, block 617.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating another use for some preferredembodiments of a present invention using a series of reciprocating solarengines. Consider a homestead, a factory where hand made products areproduced, or even a remote village, where water and electricity arelacking significantly or altogether. In this embodiment shown in FIG.14, a lake or other water source, here, lake 621, is located somedistance form the place in need of water and electric power. In thiscase, a series of present invention reciprocating solar engines may beused to pump water to the desired location. A series of presentinvention reciprocating solar engines 625, 629 and 633 are respectivelyconnected to run pumps 623, 627 and 631 to pump water to a remotelylocated tower, upper tank 635. As many reciprocating solar engines(RSEs) and pumps as needed may be hooked up in series. The pumps may bereciprocating or rotary or otherwise, and the RSEs may be connected fordirect drive or to generators with or without inverters to electricallyoperate the pumps. The water pumped to upper tank 635 is filled duringsunlight and withdrawn to lower tank 637 over time, e. g., 24 hours aday, or periodically or intermittently, or on demand. As water flowsdownwardly from upper tank 635, it flows through a hydro power turbinegenerator 639 and then into lower tank 637, generating electricity tothe needy village 641. Additionally, the water from lower tank 637 isavailable as drinking water to the village 643 and as farming irrigationwater 645, or may be used for any other purpose as well.

To summarize, the present invention thus provides a device forgenerating engine power to create work or electricity without the needfor expensive and inefficient solar panels or noisy towering windturbines.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described indetail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to those particularembodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effectedtherein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. As examples,the drawings are shown with two windows, one left and one right. Thepresent invention reciprocating solar engine roof could more than two ormany windows without exceeding the present invention scope. Thecontainers are, for simplicity of explanation, shown as one on each sideof the fulcrum support on the platform. The present invention devicesmay employ a few or many connected containers and they may be connectedin series, in parallel or as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,249,incorporated herein by reference.

1. A reciprocating solar engine, which comprises: a) a seesawingplatform having a central fulcrum support upon which said platform ismoveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc,said predetermined arc having a bottom, said bottom being the arc base;b) a first solar heat-receiving closed container located on saidplatform on a first side of said central fulcrum support and a secondsolar heat-receiving closed container located on said platform on asecond side of said central fulcrum support and opposite said firstside; c) a connecting tube, connected to said first solar heat-receivingclosed container and to said second solar heat-receiving closedcontainer; d) a fluid contained within at least one of said first solarheat-receiving closed container and said second solar heat-receivingclosed container, said fluid being evaporable from solar heat andcondensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof located above saidplatform, said roof having at least two windows, at least one window ofwhich is located above said first solar heat-receiving closed containerand at least one window of which is located above said second solarheat-receiving closed container; f) shutter means connected to said roofand movably related to said at least two windows and functionallyconnected thereto, said shutter means having a first rest position and asecond rest position, wherein in said first rest position, said at leastone window above said first solar heat-receiving closed container isopen and said at least one window above second solar heat-receivingclosed container is closed, and wherein in said second rest position,said at least one window above said first solar heat-receiving closedcontainer is closed and said at least one window above second solarheat-receiving closed container is open; and, g) shutter control meansfunctionally connected to said shutter means and functionally connectedto said platform such that said shutter control means activates saidshutter to said first rest position when said second solarheat-receiving closed container is at its arc base, and to said secondrest position when said first solar heat-receiving closed container isat its arc base.
 2. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 1 wherein saidshutter means in selected from the group consisting of a single slidingdoor, doors, shutters, screens and shades.
 3. The reciprocal solarengine of claim 1, wherein said roof is a rectangular shaped roof from atop view.
 4. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 1, wherein saidshutter controls means in selected from the group consisting of motordrive control means, mechanical control means, hydraulic control meansand pneumatic control means.
 5. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 1,wherein said first solar heat-receiving closed container and said secondsolar heat-receiving closed container are at least partially transparentcontainers.
 6. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 5, wherein said atleast partially transparent containers have transparent tops and solarheat-absorbing bottoms.
 7. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 1,wherein said first solar heat-receiving closed container and said secondsolar heat-receiving closed container are selected from the groupconsisting of glass, metal, plastic, and combinations thereof.
 8. Thereciprocal solar engine of claim 1, wherein said reciprocal solar engineincludes a connecting member for transfer of motive power, connected toat least one of said platform and a container.
 9. The reciprocal solarengine of claim 8, wherein said connecting member is a shaft connectedto said platform proximate its center and on its axis of rotation tofunction as an arcuate reciprocating drive shaft.
 10. The reciprocalsolar engine of claim 1, wherein said at least two windows contain solarenergy concentrating magnifying lenses.
 11. A reciprocating solarengine, which comprises: a) a seesawing platform having a centralfulcrum support upon which said platform is moveably positioned toreciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc, said predetermined archaving a bottom, said bottom being the arc base; b) a first solarheat-receiving closed container located on said platform on a first sideof said central fulcrum support and a second solar heat-receiving closedcontainer located on said platform on a second side of said centralfulcrum support and opposite said first side; c) a connecting tube,connected to said first solar heat-receiving closed container and tosaid second solar heat-receiving closed container; d) a fluid containedwithin at least one of said first and said second solar heat-receivingclosed container, said fluid being evaporable from solar heat andcondensable from shading from solar heat; e) a housing having side wallsand a roof, said roof being located at least above said platform, saidroof having at least two windows, at least one window of which islocated above said first solar heat-receiving closed container and atleast one window of which is located above said second solarheat-receiving closed container; f) shutter means connected to said roofand movably related to said at least two windows and functionallyconnected thereto, said shutter means having a first rest position and asecond rest position, wherein in said first rest position said at leastone window above said first solar heat-receiving closed container isopen and said at least one window above second solar heat-receivingclosed container is closed, and wherein in said second rest position,said at least one window above said first solar heat-receiving closedcontainer is closed and said at least one window above second solarheat-receiving closed container is open; and, g) shutter control meansfunctionally connected to said shutter means and functionally connectedto said platform such that said shutter control means activates saidshutter to said first rest position when said second solarheat-receiving closed container is at its arc base, and to said secondrest position when said first solar heat-receiving closed container isat its arc base.
 12. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 11 whereinsaid shutter means in selected from the group consisting of a singlesliding door, doors, shutters, screens and shades.
 13. The reciprocalsolar engine of claim 1 1, wherein said roof is a rectangular shapedroof from a top view.
 14. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 11,wherein said shutter controls means in selected from the groupconsisting of motor drive control means, mechanical control means,hydraulic control means and pneumatic control means.
 15. The reciprocalsolar engine of claim 11, wherein said first solar heat-receiving closedcontainer and said second solar hear-receiving closed container are atleast partially transparent containers.
 16. The reciprocal solar engineof claim 15, wherein said at least partially transparent containers havetransparent tops and solar heat-absorbing bottoms.
 17. The reciprocalsolar engine of claim 11, wherein said first solar heat-receiving closedcontainer and said second solar heat-receiving closed container areselected from the group consisting of glass, metal, plastic, andcombinations thereof.
 18. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 11,wherein said reciprocal solar engine includes a connecting member fortransfer of motive power, connected to at least one of said platform anda container.
 19. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 18, wherein saidconnecting member is a shaft connected to said platform proximate itscenter and on its axis of rotation to function as an arcuatereciprocating drive shaft.
 20. The reciprocal solar engine of claim 11,wherein said at least two windows contain solar energy concentratingmagnifying lenses.